U.S. patent application number 16/374401 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-10 for vehicle seat.
The applicant listed for this patent is NHK SPRING CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kenichi Katsube, Shu Kondou, Takeshi Nakamura, Daisuke Tanaka.
Application Number | 20190308527 16/374401 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68097859 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190308527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakamura; Takeshi ; et
al. |
October 10, 2019 |
VEHICLE SEAT
Abstract
In a vehicle seat, a second parallel link mechanism is actuated
in order to adjust an vertical position of a seat body with respect
to a vehicle body, such that a first parallel link mechanism is
moved up or down together with the seat body with respect to the
vehicle body. In order to recline a seatback as an integral unit
with a seat cushion, the first parallel link mechanism and the
second parallel link mechanism are actuated such that an upper link
is maintained in a predetermined orientation. The upper link is
restricted from rotating relative to the armrest, and so the
armrest is also maintained in a predetermined orientation.
Inventors: |
Nakamura; Takeshi;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Katsube; Kenichi;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Kondou; Shu; (Yokohama-shi,
JP) ; Tanaka; Daisuke; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NHK SPRING CO., LTD. |
Yokohama-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
68097859 |
Appl. No.: |
16/374401 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/20 20130101; B60N
2/10 20130101; B60N 2/1615 20130101; B60N 2/767 20180201 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/16 20060101
B60N002/16; B60N 2/20 20060101 B60N002/20; B60N 2/75 20060101
B60N002/75; B60N 2/10 20060101 B60N002/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 10, 2018 |
JP |
2018-075661 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seat comprising: a seat body including a seat cushion
and a seatback; a lifter mechanism that is configured including a
rear link rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the seat cushion
via a first shaft and rotatably coupled to a support member on a
vehicle body side via a second shaft, and that is capable of
adjusting a vertical position of the seat body with respect to a
vehicle body; a reclining mechanism that reclines the seatback, as
an integral unit with the seat cushion, with respect to a fixed
point at the second shaft; an armrest that is rotatably coupled to
a side face of the seatback via a third shaft; an upper link that
has a front end side rotatably coupled to the third shaft, and that
is restricted from rotating relative to the armrest; a lower link
that has a front end side rotatably coupled to the first shaft; a
first tilting link that has an upper end side rotatably coupled to
a rear end side of the upper link via a fourth shaft, that has a
lower end side rotatably coupled to a rear end side of the lower
link via a fifth shaft, and that configures a first parallel link
mechanism together with a part of the seat body, the upper link,
and the lower link; and a second tilting link that has an upper end
side rotatably coupled to the fifth shaft, that has a lower end
side rotatably coupled to the support member via a sixth shaft, and
that configures a second parallel link mechanism together with the
rear link, the lower link, and the support member.
2. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein: the upper link and the
lower link are disposed offset from each other in a seat left-right
direction; and the first tilting link includes: an upper portion
coupled to the upper link, a lower portion coupled to the lower
link, and a coupling portion linking the upper portion and the
lower portion together in the seat left-right direction.
3. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein a seat vertical direction
intermediate portion of the first tilting link is bent so as to
protrude toward a seat rear side.
4. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein: the armrest, the rear
link, the upper link, the lower link, the first tilting link, and
the second tilting link are respectively provided on both
left-right direction sides of the seat body; and the left and right
rear links are coupled together by the first shaft, the left and
right first tilting links are coupled together by a coupling
member, and the left and right lower links and the left and right
second tilting links are coupled together by the fifth shaft.
5. The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the armrest is capable of
being flipped upward with respect to the upper link to a state in
which a length direction of the armrest runs along a vertical
direction of the seatback.
6. The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the lower link is
positioned further toward the seat left-right direction inside than
the upper link.
7. The vehicle seat of claim 4, wherein the fifth shaft is a
coupling pipe with an axial direction along a seat left-right
direction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35
USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-075661 filed on
Apr. 10, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat including
an armrest.
Related Art
[0003] An armrest support structure disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. H10-166919 includes a tilting link
with one end pivotably supported on a vehicle body side, a
following link with one end pivotably supported at another end of
the tilting link so as to be capable of turning, and an armrest
shaft that rotatably supports one end of an armrest and that
axially supports another end of the following link. A stopper that
uses the following link to restrict rotation of the armrest is
attached to the armrest. The armrest thereby maintains its own (a
predetermined) orientation, irrespective of tilting (reclining) of
the seatback.
[0004] In a vehicle seat disclosed in JP-A No. 2017-19441, a
seatback is fixed to a rear end portion of a seat cushion so as to
be incapable of reclining. The seat cushion is attached to a
vehicle body via a front side coupling mechanism and a rear side
coupling mechanism. The front side coupling mechanism and the rear
side coupling mechanism move a front link and a rear link toward
the vehicle front side in circular arcs, each centered on an
imaginary center point set at a vehicle upper side of the seat
cushion, so as to tip the seat cushion rearward and downward. The
seatback is thereby reclined as an integral unit with the seat
cushion, thus suppressing the back of a seated occupant from
shifting (suppressing the position of the back of the seated
occupant from shifting relative to the seatback).
[0005] The armrest support structure disclosed in JP-A No.
H10-166919 cannot be applied to a vehicle seat in which a seatback
reclines as an integral unit with a seat cushion, such as the
vehicle seat disclosed in JP-A No. 2017-19441, nor to a vehicle
seat in which vertical positions of a seat cushion and a seatback
are adjustable with respect to a vehicle body.
SUMMARY
[0006] In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of
the present disclosure is to obtain a vehicle seat in which an
armrest can be maintained in a predetermined orientation
irrespective of reclining, in a configuration in which vertical
positions of a seat cushion and a seatback are adjustable with
respect to a vehicle body, and in which the seatback reclines as an
integral unit with the seat cushion.
[0007] A vehicle seat of a first aspect of the present disclosure
includes a seat body, a lifter mechanism, a reclining mechanism, an
armrest, an upper link, a lower link, a first tilting link, and a
second tilting link. The seat body includes a seat cushion and a
seatback. The lifter mechanism is configured including a rear link
rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the seat cushion via a first
shaft and rotatably coupled to a support member on a vehicle body
side via a second shaft, and is capable of adjusting a vertical
position of the seat body with respect to the vehicle body. The
reclining mechanism reclines the seatback, as an integral unit with
the seat cushion, with respect to a fixed point at the second
shaft. The armrest is rotatably coupled to a side face of the
seatback via a third shaft. The upper link has a front end side
rotatably coupled to the third shaft, and is restricted from
rotating relative to the armrest. The lower link has a front end
side rotatably coupled to the first shaft. The first tilting link
has an upper end side rotatably coupled to a rear end side of the
upper link via a fourth shaft, has a lower end side rotatably
coupled to a rear end side of the lower link via a fifth shaft, and
configures a first parallel link mechanism together with a part of
the seat body, the upper link, and the lower link. The second
tilting link has an upper end side rotatably coupled to the fifth
shaft, has a lower end side rotatably coupled to the support member
via a sixth shaft, and configures a second parallel link mechanism
together with the rear link, the lower link, and the support
member.
[0008] In the vehicle seat of the first aspect, the seat body
includes the seat cushion and the seatback. The lifter mechanism is
configured including the rear link rotatably coupled to the rear
portion of the seat cushion via the first shaft and rotatably
coupled to the support member on the vehicle body side via the
second shaft, and is capable of adjusting an vertical position of
the seat body with respect to the vehicle body. The reclining
mechanism reclines the seatback as an integral unit with the seat
cushion with respect to a fixed point at the second shaft. The
armrest is rotatably coupled to a side face of the seatback via the
third shaft.
[0009] Note that this vehicle seat further includes the upper link
that has a front end side rotatably coupled to the third shaft, and
that is restricted from rotating relative to the armrest, and the
lower link that has a front end side rotatably coupled to the first
shaft. The vehicle seat also includes the first tilting link that
has an upper end side rotatably coupled to the rear end side of the
upper link via the fourth shaft and a lower end side rotatably
coupled to the rear end side of the lower link via the fifth shaft,
and the second tilting link that has an upper end side rotatably
coupled to the fifth shaft and a lower end side rotatably coupled
to the support member on the vehicle body side via the sixth shaft.
The first tilting link configures the first parallel link mechanism
together with part of the seat body, the upper link, and the lower
link. The second tilting link configures the second parallel link
mechanism together with the rear link, the lower link, and the
support member on the vehicle body side.
[0010] In the vehicle seat configured as described above, in order
to adjust an vertical position of the seat body (the seat cushion
and the seatback) with respect to the vehicle body, the second
parallel link mechanism is actuated such that the first parallel
link mechanism is moved up or down together with the seat body with
respect to the vehicle body. In order to recline the seatback as an
integral unit with the seat cushion, at least the first parallel
link mechanism out of the first parallel link mechanism and the
second parallel link mechanism is actuated such that the upper link
is maintained in a predetermined orientation. The upper link is
restricted from rotating relative to the armrest, and so the
armrest is also maintained in a predetermined (for example,
substantially horizontal) orientation.
[0011] In this manner, in the present exemplary disclosure the
armrest can be maintained in a predetermined orientation
irrespective of reclining in a configuration in which the vertical
positions of the seat cushion and the seatback are adjustable with
respect to the vehicle body, and the seatback reclines as an
integral unit with the seat cushion.
[0012] A vehicle seat of a second aspect of the present disclosure
is the vehicle seat of the first aspect, wherein the upper link and
the lower link are disposed offset from each other in a seat
left-right direction. Moreover, the first tilting link includes an
upper portion coupled to the upper link, a lower portion coupled to
the lower link, and a coupling portion linking the upper portion
and the lower portion together in the seat left-right
direction.
[0013] In the vehicle seat of the second aspect, the upper link
positioned on the armrest side and the lower link positioned on the
lifter mechanism (rear link) side are disposed offset from each
other in the seat left-right direction. Moreover, the first tilting
link includes the upper portion coupled to the upper link, the
lower portion coupled to the lower link, and the coupling portion
that links the upper portion and the lower portion together in the
seat left-right direction. This makes it easier for the first
tilting link to span between the upper link and the lower link that
are positioned offset from each other in the seat left-right
direction.
[0014] A vehicle seat of a third aspect of the present disclosure
is the vehicle seat of the first aspect, wherein a seat vertical
direction intermediate portion of the first tilting link is bent so
as to protrude toward a seat rear side.
[0015] In the vehicle seat of the third aspect, the first tilting
link that couples together the upper link positioned on the armrest
side and the lower link positioned on the lifter mechanism (rear
link) side is bent at a seat vertical direction intermediate
portion so as to protrude toward the seat rear side. For example,
this enables the first tilting link to be disposed at the seat rear
side of any components provided to a side portion of the seatback,
thereby enabling the overall configuration of the vehicle seat to
be made smaller in the seat left-right direction than in cases in
which the first tilting link is disposed at the seat left-right
direction outside of such components.
[0016] A vehicle seat of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure
is the vehicle seat of the first aspect, wherein the armrest, the
rear link, the upper link, the lower link, the first tilting link,
and the second tilting link are respectively provided on both
left-right direction sides of the seat body. Moreover, the left and
right rear links are coupled together by the first shaft, the left
and right first tilting links are coupled together by a coupling
member, and the left and right lower links and the left and right
second tilting links are coupled together by the fifth shaft.
[0017] In the vehicle seat of the fourth aspect, the armrests, the
rear links, the upper links, the lower links, the first tilting
links, and the second tilting links are provided on both left-right
direction sides of the seat body. The first parallel link
mechanisms and the second parallel link mechanisms are thereby
provided on both left-right direction sides of the seat body. The
left and right rear links are coupled together by the first shaft,
the left and right first tilting links are coupled together by the
coupling member, and the left and right lower links and the left
and right second tilting links are coupled together by the fifth
shaft. This enables the left and right first parallel link
mechanisms, the left and right second parallel link mechanisms, and
the left and right armrests to be coordinated with each other.
[0018] As described above, the vehicle seat according to the
present disclosure exhibits the excellent advantageous effect of
enabling an armrest to be maintained in a predetermined orientation
irrespective of reclining, in a configuration in which the seat
cushion and the seatback are moved up and down with respect to the
vehicle body, and in which the seatback reclines as an integral
unit with the seat cushion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating configuration of
relevant portions of a vehicle seat according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a back view of part of the vehicle seat as viewed
from the seat rear side;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of the vehicle seat as
viewed obliquely from the seat rear-right side;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the vehicle seat as
viewed obliquely from the seat rear-right upper side;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of part of the vehicle seat,
illustrating a state of a seat body prior to reclining;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 5, illustrating
a state in which a seat body is partway through reclining;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6,
illustrating a state of a seat body when fully reclined;
[0027] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
configuration peripheral to an armrest on the left side of the
vehicle seat;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating partial
configuration of a second parallel link mechanism;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating partial
configuration of a second parallel link mechanism;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating partial
configuration of a first parallel link mechanism;
[0031] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating part of
the configuration illustrated in FIG. 11 and configuration
peripheral thereto;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating part of the
configuration illustrated in FIG. 11;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a cross-section illustrating a connecting portion
between a left side first tilting link and a coupling member;
and
[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating configuration
peripheral to a coupling portion of a left side first tilting
link.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Explanation follows regarding a vehicle seat 10 according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference
to FIG. 1 to FIG. 15. Note that in the drawings, some reference
numerals may be omitted in order to facilitate viewing. In each of
the drawings, the arrows FR, UP, and LH respectively indicate the
front, upper, and left sides of the vehicle seat 10 as appropriate.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, simple reference to the
front, rear, left, right, up, and down directions refers to these
directions with respect to the vehicle seat 10.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the vehicle seat 10
includes a seat body 12, a seat sliding mechanism 36, a reclining
mechanism 46, a lifter mechanism 56, left and right armrests 72,
and an armrest coordination mechanism 78. The vehicle seat 10 also
includes an ECU (controller), not illustrated in the drawings, that
controls actuation of the seat sliding mechanism 36, the lifter
mechanism 56, and the reclining mechanism 46. Detailed explanation
follows regarding each of these configuration elements.
Seat Body
[0037] The seat body 12 includes a seat cushion 14 and a seatback
24. The seat cushion 14 includes a cushion frame 16 configuring
framework of the seat cushion 14. The seatback 24 includes a back
frame 26 configuring framework of the seatback 24. Pads (neither of
which are illustrated in the drawings), each of which are covered
by a cover, are respectively attached to the cushion frame 16 and
the back frame 26.
[0038] The cushion frame 16 includes left and right cushion side
frames 18 installed at left and right side portions of the seat
cushion 14, a front frame 20 that links front portions of the left
and right cushion side frames 18 together in a seat left-right
direction, and a rear frame 22 that links rear portions of the left
and right cushion side frames 18 together in the seat left-right
direction. For example, the left and right cushion side frames 18
and the front frame 20 are each configured of sheet metal, and the
rear frame 22 is configured of a metal pipe. The rear frame 22 is
disposed with its axial direction along the seat left-right
direction, and is rotatably attached to the left and right cushion
side frames 18. The rear frame 22 corresponds to a "first shaft" of
the present disclosure. The rear frame 22 is sometimes referred to
below as a first shaft 22.
[0039] The back frame 26 includes left and right back side frames
28 installed at left and right side portions of the seatback 24, an
upper frame 30 that links upper end portions of the left and right
back side frames 28 together in the seat left-right direction, and
a back panel 32 that links lower portions of the left and right
back side frames 28 together in the seat left-right direction. For
example, the left and right back side frames 28, the upper frame
30, and the back panel 32 are each configured of sheet metal.
[0040] The back frame 26 projects upward from a rear portion of the
cushion frame 16. Specifically, left and right B brackets 34, each
configured of sheet metal for example, are fixed to the rear
portions of the respective left and right cushion side frames 18 by
a method such as bolt fastening. The left and right B brackets 34
extend toward a seat upper side from the rear portions of the left
and right cushion side frames 18 and overlap lower portions of the
left and right back side frames 28 from the seat left-right
direction outsides. The left and right back side frames 28 and the
left and right B brackets 34 are fixed together by a method such as
bolt fastening. The left and right cushion side frames 18 and the
left and right back side frames 28 are thereby fixed together via
the left and right B brackets 34. The left and right B brackets 34
configure part of the back frame 26.
Seat Sliding Mechanism 36
[0041] The seat sliding mechanism 36 is configured including left
and right lower rails 38, and left and right upper rails 40. For
example, each of the lower rails 38 and the upper rails 40 are
configured by sheet metal and formed in an elongated shape with
length along a seat front-rear direction. Each of the lower rails
38 is fixed to a vehicle body floor, not illustrated in the
drawings, at a front end portion and a rear end portion via front
and rear brackets (not allocated reference numerals). The upper
rails 40 are supported so as to be capable of sliding along the
seat front-rear direction with respect to the lower rails 38. The
seat sliding mechanism 36 allows the left and right upper rails 40
to slide along the seat front-rear direction with respect to the
left and right lower rails 38 using driving force from a slide
motor 42. Left and right risers 44, each configured of sheet metal
for example, are fixed to upper faces of the respective left and
right upper rails 40. The left and right risers 44 each correspond
to a "support member" of the present disclosure.
Reclining Mechanism 46
[0042] The reclining mechanism 46 includes a reclining link 48 and
a reclining motor 54. The reclining link 48 is configured by left
and right link members 50, and a connecting member 52 that links
the left and right link members 50 together in the seat left-right
direction. One end side of each of the left and right link members
50 is coupled to a front portion of the corresponding left or right
riser 44 so as to be capable of rotating about an axis extending
along the seat left-right direction. A sector gear 50A is
integrally formed to one out of the left and right link members 50
(the link member 50 on the right side in this case). This sector
gear is provided corresponding to the reclining motor 54.
[0043] The reclining motor 54 is a motor with a speed reduction
gear, and is fixed to one out of the left and right risers 44 (the
riser 44 on the right side in this case). A non-illustrated pinion
gear is fixed to a non-illustrated output shaft of the reclining
motor 54, and the pinion gear meshes with the sector gear 50A.
Thus, when the reclining motor 54 rotates, the reclining link 48
rotates with respect to the left and right risers 44.
Lifter Mechanism 56
[0044] The lifter mechanism 56 includes a front link 58, a rear
link 64, and a lifter motor 70. The front link 58 is provided
between the reclining link 48 and a front portion of the cushion
frame 16, and is configured by left and right link members 60 and a
connecting member 62 that links the left and right link members 60
together in the seat left-right direction. One end portion of each
of the left and right link members 60 is coupled to another end
portion of the corresponding left or right link member 50
configuring the reclining link 48, so as to be capable of rotating
about an axis extending along the seat left-right direction.
[0045] Another end portion of each of the left and right link
members 60 is coupled to the corresponding left or right cushion
side frame 18 so as to be capable of rotating about an axis
extending along the seat left-right direction. The front portion of
the cushion frame 16 is coupled to the left and right upper rails
40 via the front link 58 and the reclining link 48, and is thereby
supported so as to be capable of moving in a seat vertical
direction within a predetermined range with respect to the left and
right upper rails 40. The front link 58 and the reclining link 48
configure a double link.
[0046] The rear link 64 is provided between the rear portion of the
cushion frame 16 and the vehicle body floor (between the rear
portion of the cushion frame 16 and the left and right upper rails
40 in this case), and includes left and right link members 66. One
end portion (a front end portions) of each of the left and right
link members 66 is rotatably coupled to rear portion of the
corresponding left or right riser 44 via left and right shoulder
bolts 68. The left and right shoulder bolts 68 are disposed
coaxially to each other, with their axial directions along the seat
left-right direction. The left and right shoulder bolts 68 each
correspond to a "second shaft" of the present disclosure. The left
and right shoulder bolts 68 are sometimes referred to below as
"second shafts 68".
[0047] Another end portion (a rear end portion) of each of the left
and right link members 66 is coupled to the corresponding left or
right cushion side frame 18 via the rear frame (first shaft) 22
previously mentioned, and is capable of rotating about the rear
frame 22 with respect to the left and right cushion side frames 18.
The rear portion of the cushion frame 16 is thereby supported so as
to be capable of moving in the seat vertical direction within a
predetermined range with respect to the left and right upper rails
40. A sector gear 66A is integrally formed to one out of the left
and right link members 66 (the link member 66 on the left side in
this case). The sector gear 66A is provided corresponding to the
lifter motor 70.
[0048] The lifter motor 70 is a motor with a speed reduction gear,
and is fixed to the cushion side frame 18 on the left side using
nuts and bolts (not allocated reference numerals). A pinion gear
(not illustrated in the drawings) is fixed to an output shaft of
the lifter motor 70, and the pinion gear meshes with the sector
gear 66A previously mentioned. Thus, when the lifter motor 70
rotates, the rear link 64 rotates about the left and right shoulder
bolts (second shafts) 68, and the rear portion of the cushion frame
16 is moved in the seat vertical direction. The rear link 64
configures a single link.
ECU
[0049] The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is configured by a
microcomputer in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an input/output
interface (I/O) are connected together via a bus. The I/O of the
ECU is electrically connected to the slide motor 42, the reclining
motor 54, and the lifter motor 70 previously mentioned. For
example, encoders are provided to each of the motors 42, 54, 70 in
order to detect a rotation position of the output shaft of each of
the motors 42, 54, 70.
[0050] An operation section (not illustrated in the drawings)
provided to a side face of the seat cushion 14 or the like is
electrically connected to the I/O of the ECU. A slide switch, a
reclining switch, and a lifter switch are provided to the operation
section. The ECU controls actuation of each of the motors 42, 54,
70 in response to operation of the respective switches.
[0051] Specifically, when the slide switch is operated, the ECU
actuates the slide motor 42, and moves the left and right upper
rails 40 in the seat front-rear direction with respect to the left
and right lower rails 38. A front-rear position of the seat body 12
with respect to the vehicle body floor is thereby adjusted.
[0052] When the lifter switch is operated, the ECU actuates the
lifter motor 70 to rotate the rear link 64. The rear link 64
rotates as a drive link of a four-bar linkage mechanism, and the
front link 58 rotates as a following link of the four-bar linkage
mechanism. An vertical position of the seat body 12 with respect to
vehicle body floor is thereby adjusted.
[0053] When the reclining switch is operated, the ECU actuates the
reclining motor 54 and the lifter motor 70 to rotate the reclining
link 48 and the rear link 64. The ECU thereby reclines the seatback
24 as an integral unit with the seat cushion 14 with respect to
fixed points at the left and right shoulder bolts (second shafts)
68. Reclining the seatback 24 as an integral unit with the seat
cushion 14 in this manner suppresses vertical direction shifting of
the position of the back of a seated occupant (shifting of the back
of the seated occupant) with respect to the seatback 24, thereby
enabling the posture of the seated occupant to be changed in a
comfortable way.
Armrests
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 to FIG. 8, the
left and right armrests 72 are each formed in an elongated,
substantially rectangular block shape, and are installed on both
left and right sides of the seatback 24. One length direction end
portion (a base end portion) of each of the left and right armrests
72 is supported by a left or right armrest shaft 74 that is fixed
to the left or right back side frame 28. The left and right armrest
shafts 74 are disposed with their axial direction along the seat
left-right direction and extend toward the seat left-right
direction outsides from the back side frames 28. The left and right
armrest shafts 74 are respectively inserted into shaft bearing
holes 76 formed in the one length direction end portion of the
corresponding left or right armrest 72. The left and right armrests
72 are thereby rotatably coupled to left and right side faces of
the seatback 24 via the armrest shafts 74. The left and right
armrest shafts 74 each correspond to a "third shaft" of the present
disclosure. The armrest shafts 74 are sometimes referred to below
as "third shafts 74".
Armrest Coordination Mechanism
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 15, the armrest
coordination mechanism 78 includes left and right upper links 80,
left and right lower links 82, left and right first tilting links
86, and left and right second tilting links 108. The left and right
upper links 80 are respectively disposed between the left and right
armrests 72 and the seatback 24. For example, the left and right
upper links 80 are each configured of sheet metal and have an
elongated shape with length along the seat front-rear direction.
The left and right upper links 80 each curve in a circular arc
shape so as to protrude toward the seat upper side as viewed along
the seat left-right direction, and a recess 80A that is recessed
toward the seat upper side is formed in a length direction
intermediate portion of each of the left and right upper links 80.
A circular shaped through-hole 79 is formed in a front end portion
of each of the left and right upper links 80, and the left and
right armrest shafts (third shafts) 74 are inserted through the
respective through-holes 79. The left and right upper links 80 are
thereby rotatably coupled to the left and right armrest shafts
74.
[0056] A circular column shaped stopper 72A (not illustrated in the
drawings except in FIG. 8) extending toward the seat left-right
direction inside is formed in the base end portion of each of the
left and right armrests 72. The stoppers 72A are fitted into the
recesses 80A in the left and right upper links 80. The left and
right upper links 80 are thereby restricted from rotating relative
to the left and right armrests 72.
[0057] The left and right lower links 82 are disposed at the seat
left-right direction inside with respect to the left and right rear
links 64, and are positioned further toward the seat left-right
direction inside than the left and right upper links 80. Namely, in
the present exemplary embodiment, the left and right upper links 80
and the left and right lower links 82 are disposed so as to be
offset from each other in the seat left-right direction. For
example, the left and right lower links 82 are each configured of
sheet metal and have an elongated shape with length along the seat
front-rear direction. A front end portion of each of the left and
right lower links 82 is coupled to the rear frame (first shaft) 22
so as to be capable of rotating about the rear frame 22.
[0058] Rear end portions of the left and right lower links 82 are
coupled together by a coupling pipe 84. For example, the coupling
pipe 84 is configured by metal piping and is disposed with its
axial direction along the seat left-right direction. The two axial
direction end portions of the coupling pipe 84 are inserted into
circular shaped through-holes 83 formed in the rear end portions of
the respective left and right lower links 82, such that the left
and right lower links 82 are rotatably coupled to the coupling pipe
84. The coupling pipe 84 corresponds to a "fifth shaft" of the
present disclosure. The coupling pipe 84 is sometimes referred to
below as a "fifth shaft 84".
[0059] The left and right first tilting links 86 span between rear
end portions of the respective left and right upper links 80 and
the rear end portions of the respective left and right lower links
82. The left and right first tilting links 86 respectively include
left and right upper portions 88 coupled to the left and right
upper links 80, left and right lower portions 90 coupled to the
left and right lower links 82, and left and right coupling portions
(coupling plates) 92 that link the upper portions 88 and the lower
portions 90 together in the seat left-right direction.
[0060] For example, the left and right upper portions 88 are each
configured of sheet metal and have an elongated shape with length
along the seat vertical direction. A lower end portion of each of
the left and right upper portions 88 is bent toward the seat front
side. For example, the left and right lower portions 90 are each
configured of sheet metal and have an elongated shape with length
substantially along the seat front-rear direction. For example, the
left and right coupling portions 92 are each configured of sheet
metal and have a rectangular shape.
[0061] The lower end portions of the left and right upper portions
88 are disposed at the seat left-right direction outsides with
respect to rear end portions of the left and right lower portions
90, and the left and right coupling portions 92 span between the
lower end portions of the left and right upper portions 88 and the
rear end portions of the left and right lower portions 90. Each of
the coupling portions 92 is fixed to the respective upper portion
88 and the respective lower portion 90 by a method such as welding.
Pipe portions 94 (not illustrated in the drawings except in FIG. 11
to FIG. 15), configured by metal piping for example, respectively
span between the lower end portions of the left and right upper
portions 88 and the rear end portions of the left and right lower
portions 90. The respective pipe portions 94 are disposed with
their axial direction along the seat left-right direction and are
each disposed in a state passing through the lower end portion of
the corresponding upper portion 88 and the rear end portion of the
corresponding lower portion 90. The pipe portions 94 are fixed to
the left and right coupling portions 92 by a method such as
welding.
[0062] Upper end portions of the left and right upper portions 88
respectively configure upper end portions of the left and right
first tilting links 86, and overlap the rear end portions of the
left and right upper links 80 from the seat left-right direction
inside. A circular shaped through-hole 81 is formed in the rear end
portion of each of the left and right upper links 80, and a
circular shaped through-hole 89 is formed in the upper end portion
of each of the left and right upper portions 88. A hinge pin 96 is
inserted into each of the through-holes 81 and the corresponding
through-hole 89, and an E ring 98 serving as a detachment
prevention member is mounted to each of the hinge pins 96. The
upper end portions of the left and right upper portions 88 are
thereby rotatably coupled to the rear end portions of the left and
right upper links 80 via the left and right hinge pins 96. The left
and right hinge pins 96 each correspond to a "fourth shaft" of the
present disclosure, and are disposed with their axial direction
along the seat left-right direction. The left and right hinge pins
96 are sometimes referred to below as "fourth shafts 96".
[0063] Front end portions of the left and right lower portions 90
configure lower end portions of the left and right first tilting
links 86, and are disposed at the seat left-right direction
outsides of the rear end portions of the left and right lower links
82. A circular shaped through-hole 91 is formed in the front end
portion of each of the left and right lower portions 90, and both
the axial direction end portions of the coupling pipe (fifth shaft)
84 are inserted through the respective through-holes 91. Left and
right collars 100, each formed from resin in a circular tube shape
for example, are interposed between hole edges of the respective
through-holes 91 and the coupling pipe 84, such that the left and
right lower portions 90 are rotatably coupled to the coupling pipe
84. The left and right lower portions 90 are rotatably coupled to
the left and right lower links 82 via the coupling pipe 84.
[0064] A seat vertical direction intermediate portion of each of
the left and right first tilting links 86 is bent so as to protrude
toward the seat rear side, and so the left and right first tilting
links 86 each have a substantially boomerang shape as viewed along
the seat left-right direction. The left and right first tilting
links 86 are coupled together by a coupling member 102. The
coupling member 102 is configured of metal piping for example, and
is disposed with its axial direction along the seat left-right
direction. The two axial direction end portions of the coupling
member 102 are fitted inside the respective pipe portions 94 of the
left and right first tilting links 86. A shoulder bolt 104 is
screwed into a female thread formed at the two axial direction end
portions of the coupling member 102. The coupling member 102 is
thereby prevented from detaching from the respective pipe portions
94.
[0065] The left and right first tilting links 86 configure left and
right first parallel link mechanisms (first four-bar linkage
mechanisms) 106 together with part of the seat body 12, the left
and right upper links 80, and the left and right lower links
82.
[0066] The left and right second tilting links 108 are disposed at
the seat rear side and seat left-right direction inside of the left
and right link members 66 of the rear link 64. The left and right
second tilting links 108 are each configured of sheet metal for
example, and have an elongated shape with length substantially
along the seat front-rear direction. A rear portion of each of the
left and right second tilting links 108 is bent toward the seat
upper side.
[0067] One end portion (a front end portion) of each of the left
and right second tilting links 108 is disposed at the seat rear
side of the one end portion (front end portion) of the
corresponding left or right link member 66, and is rotatably
coupled to the rear portion of the left or right riser 44 via a
left or a right shoulder bolt 110. The left and right shoulder
bolts 110 are coaxially disposed with their axial direction along
the seat left-right direction. The left and right shoulder bolts
110 each correspond to a "sixth shaft" of the present disclosure.
The left and right shoulder bolts 110 are hereafter referred to as
"sixth shafts 110".
[0068] Another end portion (rear end portion) of each of the left
and right second tilting links 108 is disposed between the rear end
portion of the corresponding left or right lower link 82 and the
lower end portion of the corresponding left or right first tilting
link 86. A circular shaped through-hole 109 is formed in a rear end
portion of each of the left and right second tilting links 108, and
the two axial direction end portions of the coupling pipe (fifth
shaft) 84 are inserted through the respective through-holes 109.
The left and right collars 100 previously mentioned are interposed
between hole edges of the respective through-holes 109 and the
coupling pipe 84, such that the left and right second tilting links
108 are rotatably coupled to the coupling pipe 84. The left and
right second tilting links 108 are rotatably coupled to the left
and right lower links 82 and the left and right first tilting links
86 via the coupling pipe 84. Note that a circular tube shaped resin
spacer 112, for example, is disposed between the rear end portion
of each of the left and right second tilting links 108 and the
lower end portion of the corresponding left or right first tilting
link 86.
[0069] The left and right second tilting links 108 configure left
and right second parallel link mechanisms (second four-bar linkage
mechanisms) 114 together with the left and right rear links 64, the
left and right lower links 82, and the left and right risers
44.
[0070] In the vehicle seat 10 with the above configuration, the
stoppers 72A (see FIG. 8) of the left and right armrests 72 are
respectively fitted into (engaged with) the recesses 80A of the
left and right upper links 80 from the lower side, such that the
left and right armrests 72 are retained in a horizontal or a
substantially horizontal orientation. However, the left and right
armrests 72 are permitted to rotate in one direction (to rotate
clockwise as viewed from the seat left side) about the axis of the
left and right armrest shafts 74 with respect to the left and right
upper links 80, such that the left and right armrests 72 are
capable of being flipped upward to a state in which the length
direction of the left or right armrest 72 runs along the vertical
direction of the seatback 24.
Operation and Advantageous Effects
[0071] Explanation follows regarding operation and advantageous
effects of the present exemplary embodiment.
[0072] In the vehicle seat 10 with the above configuration, the
seat body 12 includes the seat cushion 14 and the seatback 24. The
lifter mechanism 56 is configured including the rear link 64 that
is rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the seat cushion 14 via
the first shaft 22, and that is rotatably coupled to the risers 44
via the second shafts 68, and the vertical position of the seat
body 12 with respect to the vehicle body is thereby adjustable. The
reclining mechanism 46 reclines the seatback 24 as an integral unit
with the seat cushion 14, with respect to fixed points at the
second shafts 68. The armrests 72 are rotatably coupled to the side
faces of the seatback 24 via the third shafts 74.
[0073] Note that the vehicle seat 10 includes the upper links 80
that have front end portions rotatably coupled to the third shafts
74 and that are restricted from rotating relative to the armrests
72, and the lower links 82 that have front end portions rotatably
coupled to the first shaft 22. The vehicle seat 10 also includes
the first tilting links 86 that have upper end portions rotatably
coupled to the rear end portions of the upper links 80 via the
fourth shafts 96 and lower end portions rotatably coupled to the
rear end portions of the lower links 82 via the fifth shaft 84, and
the second tilting links 108 that have upper end portions rotatably
coupled to the fifth shaft 84 and lower end portions rotatably
coupled to the risers 44 via the sixth shafts 110. The first
tilting links 86 configure the first parallel link mechanisms 106
together with part of the seat body 12, the upper links 80, and the
lower links 82. The second tilting links 108 configure the second
parallel link mechanisms 114 together with the rear links 64, the
lower links 82, and the risers 44.
[0074] In the vehicle seat 10 configured as described above, in
order to adjust the vertical position of the seat body 12 (the seat
cushion 14 and the seatback 24) with respect to the vehicle body,
the second parallel link mechanisms 114 are actuated such that the
first parallel link mechanisms 106 move up or down together with
the seat body 12 with respect to the vehicle body. In order to
recline the seatback 24 as an integral unit with the seat cushion
14, the first parallel link mechanisms 106 and the second parallel
link mechanisms 114 are actuated such that the upper links 80
maintain a predetermined orientation. The upper links 80 are
restricted from rotating relative to the armrests 72, and so the
armrests 72 are also maintained in a predetermined (horizontal or
substantially horizontal) orientation.
[0075] In this manner, in the present exemplary embodiment the
armrests 72 can be maintained in a predetermined orientation
irrespective of reclining in a configuration in which the vertical
positions of the seat cushion 14 and the seatback 24 are adjustable
with respect to the vehicle body, and the seatback 24 reclines as
an integral unit with the seat cushion 14.
[0076] Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the upper
links 80 positioned on the armrest 72 side and the lower links 82
positioned on the lifter mechanism 56 (rear link 64) side are
disposed offset from each other in the seat left-right direction.
Moreover, the first tilting links 86 include the upper portions 88
coupled to the upper links 80, the lower portions 90 coupled to the
lower links 82, and the coupling portions 92 that link the upper
portions 88 and the lower portions 90 together in the seat
left-right direction. This makes it easier for the first tilting
links 86 to span between the upper links 80 and the lower links 82
that are positioned offset from each other in the seat left-right
direction.
[0077] Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment the first
tilting links 86 that couple together the upper links 80 positioned
on the armrest 72 side and the lower links 82 positioned on the
lifter mechanism 56 (rear link 64) side are each bent at a seat
vertical direction intermediate portion so as to protrude toward
the seat rear side. For example, this enables the first tilting
links 86 to be disposed at the seat rear side of any components
provided to side portions of the seatback 24, thereby enabling the
overall configuration of the vehicle seat 10 to be made smaller in
the seat left-right direction than in cases in which the first
tilting links 86 are disposed at the seat left-right direction
outsides of such components.
[0078] Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment the armrests
72, the rear links 64, the upper links 80, the lower links 82, the
first tilting links 86, and the second tilting links 108 are
provided on both left-right direction sides of the seat body 12.
The first parallel link mechanisms 106 and the second parallel link
mechanisms 114 are thereby provided on both left-right direction
sides of the seat body 12. The left and right rear links 64 are
coupled together by the first shaft 22, the left and right first
tilting links 86 are coupled together by the coupling member 102,
and the left and right lower links 82 and the left and right second
tilting links 108 are coupled together by the coupling pipe 84.
This enables the left and right first parallel link mechanisms 106,
the left and right second parallel link mechanisms 114, and the
left and right armrests 72 to be coordinated with each other.
[0079] Note that although the armrests 72, the rear links 64, the
upper links 80, the lower links 82, the first tilting links 86, and
the second tilting links 108 are provided on both left-right
direction sides of the seat body 12 in the above exemplary
embodiment, there is no limitation thereto. Configuration may be
such that the above members are only provided on one left-right
direction side of the seat body 12.
[0080] Although the seat vertical direction intermediate portion of
each of the first tilting links 86 is bent so as to protrude toward
the seat rear side in the above exemplary embodiment, there is no
limitation thereto. The first tilting links 86 may each be formed
in a linear shape as viewed along the seat left-right
direction.
[0081] Although each of the first tilting links 86 includes the
upper portion 88 coupled to the upper link 80, the lower portion 90
coupled to the lower link 82, and the coupling portion 92 that
links the upper portion 88 and the lower portion 90 together in the
seat left-right direction in the above exemplary embodiment, there
is no limitation thereto. Namely, in cases in which the placement
offset (displacement amount) between the upper links 80 and the
lower links 82 in the seat left-right direction is small, the first
tilting links 86 may each be formed in a simple elongated flat
plate shape.
[0082] Various other modifications may be implemented within a
range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
Obviously the scope of rights of the present disclosure is not
limited by the above exemplary embodiment.
* * * * *